What would you do if you were forced to do every command given to you? That’s the curse given to Ella of Frell in Gail Carson Levine’s Ella Enchanted. I’ve read this story so much that the book is falling apart (as pictured below). It belonged to my sister at first, but I got ahold of it and became captivated. Levine creates a world that spreads that is somewhat fairytale and real-life.
Now, if you’ve seen the movie, don’t think it’s the same as the book. The movie is cute-ish, and it has its funny moments, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the book. Levine is by far one of my favorite authors. Her other books, Ever, Fairest, and The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre, create a world that pulls you in and keeps you captivated until the end. They also teach a lot about personality, about discovering who you are and not allowing the world label you.
Ella Enchanted follows the story of Ella and the gift given to her by the fairy Lucinda. However, it doesn’t feel like a gift to Ella, because she must do what anyone tells her, even if she doesn’t want to do so. This makes her an obedient child, but it causes chaos as well, especially as she grows up and has to deal with an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters. It’s a twist on Cinderella really, and I love it.
Levine has even created a couple of books on writing! Writing Magic is the one I’ve read, and it helped me with my writing immensely! I shared it with one of my students last year and she loved it so much she bought her own. I love the book because it gives great advice on how to make your stories captivating, and she provides exercises at the end of each chapter.
If you haven’t read Ella Enchanted yet, or if you need a good book for your kids this winter, read it. Read the rest of Levine’s work as well for even more adventure!
LET’S DISCUSS:
Ella Enchanted book vs. movie, is part of an ever-growing debate on whether a book is better than its movie. Do you think movies do a disservice to the books they represent? Or do you think the movie can stand alone as its own story? Comment below!
Abigail Elizabeth Black 
I think it depends on the book. This book was definitely brought a disservice. As you said, it is cute and fun to watch, BUT it doesn’t follow the loveliness of this written piece. I fondly remember reading this poolside one summer. The Harry Potter books and movies are different for me though. The movies helped bring the books to life!
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